How FSAs work

Annual enrollment to participate

FSA participation is not automatic. If you want to participate, you must enroll online or complete an enrollment form. In addition, you must make new enrollment and contribution elections every year you want to participate in one or both FSAs. You may enroll in the FSAs even if you don't enroll in a Stryker healthcare plan.

When you enroll in an FSA, you select an annual contribution amount. Amounts you contribute to the HCFSA and/or DCFSA are deducted from your paycheck before federal and state income taxes are withheld. Because FSA contributions are deducted from your pay before these taxes are calculated, you are taxed on a lower amount. When you incur expenses the IRS considers tax deductible, you use your FSA contributions to reimburse yourself.

FSA participation is not automatic. If you want to participate, you must enroll online or complete an enrollment form. In addition, you must make new enrollment and contribution elections every year you choose to participate. You do not need to be enrolled in a Stryker healthcare plan to participate in one or both FSAs. The HCFSA is not available to employees enrolled in the UnitedHealthcare Basic HSA Plan or Premium HSA Plan.

You may set aside money for one FSA, both FSAs, or neither. The amounts you choose to contribute should reflect your best estimate of expected out-of-pocket expenses for the calendar year (January through December).

Eligible expenses for the HCFSA include annual deductibles, copayments and healthcare expenses that are not covered by a healthcare plan. Eligible DCFSA expenses include amounts you pay for child or adult day care so that you and your spouse can work, look for work or attend school full-time. More detailed lists of eligible expenses under both FSAs are included in "Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA)" and "Day Care (child and adult) Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA)."

An example

This hypothetical illustration is for educational purposes only. Dollar amounts or savings will vary depending on income, state and city tax rules, and other factors. Please consult a tax, legal or financial advisor about your own personal situation.


Tax saving example on $2,000 contribution to an FSA
28% in federal income tax	$560
5% state income tax*	$100
7.65% in Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax	$153
Total tax savings for year with an FSA	$813

* Tax savings apply if you are subject to state taxation (except for New Jersey residents)

By paying out-of-pocket costs with before-tax versus after-tax money, you can save $813 in taxes in this example.

You should be aware that FSA contributions lower Social Security (FICA) taxes paid by you and Stryker. These lower taxes could result in slightly lower Social Security benefits in the event of your retirement, death or disability.